>> When asked about Patrick's proposal to revamp state pension plans, Widmer said, "Obviously changing the benefits of public employees is a very difficult proposition. On the other hand, in this kind of situation, the state is facing this may be the best time to take some kind of unpopular action." <<

You never say never, but I think it extremely unlikely that existing and already accrued pension benefits can or will be cut. As I mentioned I do believe they can "freeze" the pension or give less credit for *future* years of service... or they can stop putting new hires into it... but I really, really think any attempt to cut earned pension benefits, based on years of service already worked, would be DOA.